Last updated 19:25, Thursday, 20 November 2008

WORKINGTON Town director Les Smallwood has warned fans not to read too much into the Christmas derby with neighbours Whitehaven.

The annual Ike Southward Memorial match between the two clubs has been confirmed as December 28 at the Recreation Ground.

Town are hoping to wrench the cup from Haven but Smallwood warned they will have a tough task on their hands.

Workington have made a lot of changes to their squad during the close season and Smallwood is well aware that it will take time for all the newcomers to knit together.

He said: “We would love to go there and bring the trophy back but we realise that they are a division higher and we are going there with basically a new team.

“It will take time for the team to settle down. Our new signings are in key positions, six, seven and nine, and it will take them a while to get used to each other’s style of play.

“At this moment the squad is not complete either so I hope people won’t read too much into any results although we will go there and give it our very best.”

Town have around 10 new faces in their line-up for the 2009 season and they began their pre-season training this week with a session on Tuesday night.

It was the first time a number of the players had met up but Smallwood was delighted with the commitment shown.

Town added to their squad this week with the news that centre Jason Mossop had re-signed for the club.

Mossop, 23, agreed a new one-year deal and chairman Dave Bowden was delighted to secure the services of the student international.

He said: “We are delighted to have secured Jason’s services again. He is an aggressive centre, strong with the ball in hand and very determined in the tackle.

“Jason will complement an exciting back line that we are hoping to build for the forthcoming season.”

o Town Flyer: Monday, D Tatton, Workington, B5319; Tuesday, C Henderson, High Harrington, C4050; Wednesday, N Hayton, Broughton Moor, C0331; yesterday, A Bergin, Workington, B8853; today, C Bell, Cleator Moor, D0355.